AROUND THE NBA

After threatening to quit the league, Philadelphia 76er owner Pat Croce grudgingly agreed to pay the NBA a $50,000 fine.

The team was fined for its fight in Saturday’s playoff game against Indiana.

“My passion for fairness combined with my anger caused me to overreact,” Croce said. “I expect our players to follow the rules. I expect them to play through adversity. I expect the fans to follow the rules, so I have to do the same.”

The NBA on Sunday held the 76ers accountable for the “reckless” play of Matt Geiger. The 7-footer was fined $20,000 and suspended two games for committing two flagrant fouls on Indiana’s Reggie Miller, who was suspended for one game and fined $5,000 for his reaction.

“I don’t want to pay that fine. I said I won’t pay that fine, but I must and I will--unless David [Stern, the NBA commissioner] reconsiders,” Croce said.

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The trial of Hornet guard David Wesley stemming from a fatal car involving teammate Bobby Phills was delayed until July 6 in Charlotte, N.C.

Wesley was finishing his NBA season and didn’t have time to prepare legal strategy, said Anne Tompkins, assistant district attorney.

Wesley was charged with misdemeanor speed competition and reckless driving after the accident. Each charge is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.